Albert Sailing Club again invites monohull dinghy sailors to our annual Regatta on 23-24 June 2012, and to participate in our Winter Season which runs from 14 April to 29 September 2012.

This year we have our traditional Regatta, Autumn, Winter & Bill Hooper series, and a number of trophy races, with a mix of short course and long course formats. Racing generally starts at 2pm (briefing @1:15), with the Regatta starting slightly earlier on the Saturday and early morning on the Sunday. Winter members are eligible for series points and trophies. Ad hoc visitors are also welcome as always. Boat Racking is also available on a first come first served basis.

ASC is a friendly family oriented club with excellent facilities in a comfortable setting, including nearby café, restaurant, playgrounds and parkland. Winter sailing on the lake is relatively sheltered and a great place for everyone from young beginners in green fleet, to grand masters and beyond to get your winter sailing fix, and to hone your skills before returning to your home club for spring/summer sailing. The lake is at full capacity and good conditions for sailing are expected over the winter months.

If there is any way we can accommodate your association's training or racing programs please let me know and we will see what we can arrange.

Who is looking to enter for this weekend's regatta? Don't forget that the aggregate score from the Regatta counts to the 2012 Sabre Winter Series.

So far we will have the usual suspects from ASC, plus three visitors already entered online: Susannah Gillam from WSC, Wendy Wilson from SSYC (sailing Geoff Saliba's old boat), and Steven Douglas from BRYC, in yet another new boat. I'm sure there'll be lots more entering soon!

At this stage the weather looks a little wintery per the BOM forecast, but nothing a wetsuit and jumper/thermals and a hot drink afterwards won't deal with. And there's little risk of a drifter nor a blowout.

Results are at:
http://r.albertsc.org.au/results/results-2012-06-23-23-51-36.htmlI will post link to photos once we have them uploaded. Plus Harold Medd may be providing detailed report soon.
Meanwhile, congratulations to everyone who sailed, 10 races in 3 sessions in great conditions, ... I almost wish I was sailing a sabre again ... Cheers,
Ron.

As for a written report, I will simply quote Harold Medd's Google Groups email:

"Hi Sabre Sailors
Albert sailing Club Winter RegattaWell, Albert Park Lake did not let us down. The wind was shifty, very variable in strength and the course was crowded. Not quite the 100 boats but with the wind in the South West, Albert Sailing Club's race officers had to adopt a short course across the lake. 16 sabres took part of which 12 were visitors. There were 10 races over two days. Chris Dance and Pete Hackett dominated the series winning all but one race between them with the overall result coming down to the last race which was won by Chris. The one race they didn't win was a great result for Bruce Abbott on his 70th Birthday. Congratulations Bruce on the win and on joining the over 70s division. The over 70s division just got a whole lot tougher for me. Steve Douglas took 3rd place overall. There is an excellent series of photos of the event taken by Rob Cruze. The following is a link to Rob's web site. If it doesn't work can look up Albert Sailing Club, click on 'Winter Regatta' and 'Senior Photos'. [see links above]

Next Winter SeriesIf you missed the regatta you can make up for it this weekend when the Sabre Winter Series goes to Albert sailing Club again."

Thanks again to Harold, and congratulations to everyone who contributed to the success of our Regatta. We look forward to continuing visits from sailors, friends & family over the winter, and of course an even better regatta in 2013.